The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday staged a protest in Srinagar against the operation of wine shops in Kashmir, demanding a complete ban on liquor sale in the Valley.
The march began from Ram Munshi Bagh in Sonwar and moved towards Gupkar Road, where the residence of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is located.
BJP leaders and workers raised slogans against liquor sale and accused the ruling National Conference (NC) of promoting alcohol in the region.
BJP state co-media incharge Advocate Sajid Yousuf Shah said the party was seeking an immediate ban, calling the issue linked to the Valley’s social and religious values.
“The sale of liquor in Kashmir Valley is a direct assault on our social and religious ethos. The government must respect public sentiment and impose a complete ban on wine shops,” he said.
He added that tourists visit Kashmir for its natural beauty, culture and hospitality, not for alcohol, and termed the promotion of liquor in the name of tourism “unacceptable”.
Meanwhile, police stopped the protesters from marching further towards Gupkar.
